The poinsettia, the most popular holiday plant, is best
known as the plant with bright red flowers on a green background. But
what most people think of as the flowers
are actually colored bracts or leaves, which surround a small, yellowish-green
structure that is the true flower.

Today's poinsettia is much improved from the poinsettia
of even five years ago, thanks to plant breeders. Although red is still
the most popular color, pink-, salmon- and
white-colored bracts are also available. Even speckled pink, red and white
bracts are now available in cultivars, such as Jingle Bells and Monet.
Even more recent on
the scene include those with variegated green and yellow leaves, bracts
that have sharply pointed lobes that resemble holly leaves and a few that
have ruffled bracts.

New cultivars tend to have a greater number of large flowers
on more compact plants. Poinsettia trees are also popular as are hanging
baskets. Although, like many
other florists' plants, dwarf poinsettias can be found that pack a lot
of color in a small package.

The long-lasting nature of today's poinsettias can only
be enjoyed if they receive the proper care in your home. The best way
to extend their beauty is to match, as
closely as possible, the conditions in which they were produced. Poinsettias
are raised in greenhouses where cool temperatures can be maintained between
60 -75%deg;F
with high relative humidity and high light intensity.

These conditions will be difficult if not impossible to
match in the home. Natural light intensity tends to be quite low and of
shorter duration in the winter. And as we heat
the air indoors, the air becomes drier so that relative humidity often
drops below the level of plant and people comfort.

Make the most of the situation by placing your plant near
a sunny window, but do not allow the foliage or flowers to contact cold
window glass. Artificial light may be
needed for extended growing periods. A humidifier will increase both plant
and people comfort. Grouping plants together on a pebble tray will help
raise humidity
around the plants themselves. Both hot and cold drafts can cause leaf
drop, so avoid placing plants near doors or heating vents.

Both under and over watering can decrease the life of your
plant. Plants that are allowed to wilt will begin to brown along the edges
of the leaves or may drop leaves
entirely. Watering too often will prevent proper aeration of the soil,
and roots will begin to die and decay. Poinsettias should be watered when
the top inch of soil feels
dry to the touch. If your pot was wrapped in foil, be sure to poke a few
holes in through the bottom to allow water to drain away.

And if you're giving a poinsettia as a gift, be sure to
protect it from frigid outdoor temperatures during transport. If you make
your purchase from a florist or other supplier,
be sure they wrap your purchase. Get the plant from the store to your
car as quickly as possible. Preheat the car beforehand to prevent further
chilling injury. Plants left
in an unheated car can be injured or killed quickly, so drop the plants
off at home before running other errands.

The poinsettia is often listed as a poisonous plant; however,
there is no scientific evidence to support this conclusion. Even studies
where rats were fed poinsettias, the rats showed no evidence of poisoning.
Some people are sensitive to the milky sap in the plant and may develop
a skin irritation if they are in contact with that sap. It is always best
to keep plants out of the reach of children and pets.